Chalk mine homes not guaranteed aid

IF more underground tunnels and caverns are discovered in Coley, there is no guarantee that cash will be found to help householders make them safe.

Families evacuated after the collapse of homes into gaping holes in Field Road in 2000 and 2001 had their homes made safe by Reading Borough Council, funded by English Partnerships.

But future finds of underground chalk mines might have to be filled in and made safe with cash from domestic insurance policies or out of householders’ own pockets.

Engineers are carrying out investigations for the £2.6 million Field Road and Coley District Project but the money is only available for investigations, not for doing remedial work.

A 15ft cavern 33ft underground was discovered by the engineers beneath the garden of Clevedon Lodge in Castle Hill in July this year.

The engineers warned the consortium of flat owners, the Clevedon Lodge Management Company, to stay out of the garden and discuss remedial work with their own insurers.

A spokesman for the council, David Millward, said: “The investigations aim to confirm the presence or absence of mine workings.

“They will provide information for engineers to understand the ground conditions and the risk that may be posed.

“The investigations may indicate the need for remedial work to prevent future damage occurring to properties.

“Reading Borough Council would be responsible for ensuring public safety if there was an emergency situation and would co-ordinate the initial evacuation of householders if this was deemed necessary.

“Householders would be recommended to discuss the situation with their insurance companies.

“The council will apply for funding from English Partnerships if further investigation and/or stabilisation work is required, but gaining this funding cannot be guaranteed.

“Householders who have allowed investigations to be carried out in their property are aware of the purpose of the investigations and have also been made aware of the need for Reading Borough Council to obtain further funding from English Partnerships before any stabilisation works can take place.”